We’re thrilled to bring you the full scoop on the West Coast Dressage Festival debut, beginning in January at Galway Downs, then moving to the Del Mar Fairgrounds through mid-February. Organizer Scott Hayes thinks the West Coast is ready for a four-CDI-W show circuit and we agree!

Trends aren’t only for riders – our horses have their equipment trends, too. Some of those trends are a result of evidence-based scientific studies on equine performance, while others are simply a fun fashion statement.

Riders will try anything to fit their horses better, from the design of their bridles, to the fit of their saddles, to the kind of saddle pads they use. And adding a bit of style to our tack makes it more fun, as well.

Max Dolger and Stokkholm put in two fantastic clear rounds and a turn of speed to win the $15,000 S & S Bank Card Systems Grand Prix of Huntington Beach class in the jump-off by one second on Saturday, Aug. 12. “This is my first Grand Prix win on Stockholm, I am delighted.” Max exclaimed. “He is a wonderful horse and really makes that extra effort for you. Stakka Gold is his younger brother and to get sixth place on him too was perfect.”

While much of the country is heading “back to school” this summer, the learning is pretty much non-stop at Julie Winkel’s Maplewood program in Reno. Sept. 5-10, it’s the annual Young Horse Trainer School that delves into hands-on learning on topics ranging from halter breaking foals to preparing prospects for the International Jumper Futurity.

ComfortStall® Inc., the USA-based source for smart stable and arena products, is proud to announce it has joined forces with Haygain®, the UK-based manufacturer of the Haygain Hay Purifier, the only scientifically proven method to purify hay, and other equine health products backed by science.

I enjoyed designing the courses for the first Whitethorne American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge in June and some of the questions I got about those tracks made me think course design would be a good topic for this column.

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It’s a lifestyle, not a job, and one in which hard work, passion and paying dues pays off.

You have to be a hard worker and have a really good work ethic. I don’t think anyone will be successful starting out unless they are a hard worker or have a really good work ethic because nothing is handed to you when you are just starting out and trying to make your name.

Two-time Olympic dressage team alternate Leslie Morse joins the staff at Lisa and Brian Sabo’s Sabo Eventing, based at the Orange County Fairgrounds. She’ll be teaching some very lucky members of the US Pony Club Newport Mesa Riding Center along with the rest of the students in the Sabos’ program.

OK. Maybe we went a little crazy on riding schools this issue. Given that they are the entry point for most who enter the sport, can you blame us? For the second year, we’re using this month’s issue to celebrate California (and Nevada) riding schools and revisit the reasons why they are so critical to our sport’s health and growth by keeping riding accessible to as many as possible.

The Master of Faster turned on the heat with his equine partner of 15 years to clinch the $60,000 Grand Prix of California, presented by Equ Lifestyle Boutique. The unstoppable duo, known as Richard Spooner and Cristallo, executed a flawless jump-off in 33.75, less than 0.04 seconds faster than the previous leaders, Vani Khosla and Billy Mexico. Relegated to a well-deserved second by a show jumping veteran, Khosla earned her second impressive grand prix red ribbon for the week at Blenheim EquiSports’ Mothers Day weekend event in San Juan Capistrano.

ADOPT ME: Red Bucket Equine Rescue proudly presents Behren. Behren is a stunning 10 year old 16.1 hand Thoroughbred gelding. He is a bit of a comic, genuinely likes people, and attention. He is very smart and will be well suited in a home that will lavish attention on him, provide turnout and ocialization, and kind interaction. Behren has received a good fundamental education under saddle and is very pretty. Behren and other Red Bucket horses are available for adoption to suitable loving homes. Serious adopters are requested to complete an adoption application which is available at www.redbucketrescue.org. Adoption fee $1500.

From a World Cup Finals recap to a preview of possible World Cup stars of tomorrow, hailing from the Sacramento Area Hunter/Jumper Association, we have a wide range of articles again this month. Carl Hester’s clinic at the Del Mar Fairgrounds was a highlight for many dressage enthusiasts, us included, and we are glad to have round-ups of local middle and high school equestrian action, with more to come next month.

Cowboy Dressage is an American style of dressage celebrating the American West and its horsemen. The purpose of western dressage is to make the horse, a better version of itself. Approximately 20 years ago, Eitan Beth-Halachmy decided to marry classical dressage and the American cowboy, building a western horse into much more than a show horse.

A judge’s perspective on the most under-appreciated job at the horse show.

by Karen Healey

Before I talk about what I like or don’t like when I judge hunters, I want to talk a little about what the job entails. I personally think that every trainer should have their judge’s cards – it makes you a way better exhibitor!

North American Young RidersChampionships are golden in medals and other ways for Area VI teams.

by Lauren Billys

With the backdrop of Glacier National Park on the most pristine eventing facility on the West Coast, Rebecca Farms in Montana, the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships for 2017 was undoubtedly going to be one to remember. The Area VI Young Rider team was mostly made up of horses with unique stories produced by juniors to the FEI levels of eventing. The bonds between these horses and riders were strong and palpable watching each of their performances.

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Horse Lover’s Encylopedia: An A to Z Guide to All Things EquineEdited by Jessie HaasReviewed by Lucy Bobeck

This book is definitely full-color. Amazing photography along with beautiful detailed line drawings and clear descriptions on the varied equestrian world. Current information that may not be found in other sources includes chiropractic treatment and a description of the recent American breeds like the American Curly and Azteca. Some entries are more European in nature, calling a horse who dislikes having a saddle tightened “girthy” rather than the usual American “cinchy.”

Huge congratulations to the young riders who represented our region brilliantly during the North American Junior Young Riders Championships, held July 19-23 – just as we were going to press with this issue. On the dressage front, the USDF Region 7 Junior team earned team gold and member Aleyna Dunn added gold in the individual championships and a silver in the individual freestyle. Zone 10’s jumping teams rode to gold in the Childrens and Juniors divisions. Plus, Childrens rider Dylan Laiken and Callao jumped clear all week to add individual Childrens gold and Hannah Loly and Amya De la Demi Lune adding an individual silver in the Junior division. Dressage and jumping took place in Saugerites, NY, while the eventing ran concurrently at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell, MT. There, Area VI’s One-Star team also earned a gold medal, and Mallory Hogan took individual bronze aboard Clarissa Purisima. Absolutely way to go, everybody! If you missed our July issue profiles of all our area’s NAJYRC riders, you can find them online.

Shauna Pennell took three of the top four placings in the Santa Barbara National’s $3,000 National Hunter Derby, July 14, at the Earl Warren Fairgrounds. Shauna rode Beverly Endelberg’s Saturday Night to the win, WJC Farms LLC’s Tresor du Paradis to third and her own Sunday Best to fourth. Jamie Sailor rode Taylor Cusumano’s Matador to the red ribbon.

West Palms Events’ hunter/jumper shows at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center feature fun new classes this summer. The first is the Sun and Surf Tandem, in which all but the final fence on course will be jumped in unison. It’s open to juniors and amateurs, with two divisions: 2’ to 2’3” and 2’6”. The Ride and Groom Relay uses teams of one rider and one groom. The rider navigates a course set at 1M, then the groom embarks on an obstacle course with the combined fastest time taking top honors.

Peter Dove is a British equestrian, now coaching his daughter, Milly, through to regional dressage competitions. Peter is the author of Master Dressage and co-author (with Mary Wanless) of Master Dressage: the Basics. Mary Wanless, a mentor to Peter, is a British Horse Society Instructor and author of books that concentrate on how we use our mind for better riding.

Frances B. (Fran) Steinwedell, a devoted supporter of show jumping in the US for decades, was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held June 1 during the Devon Horse Show. In addition to her ownership of several top Grand Prix horses, she has helped pave the road to success for talented riders such as her daughter Francie Steinwedell-Carvin and Olympian and California native Anne Kursinski.

Congratulations to all of our young riders who earned spots on the jumping, eventing and dressage teams at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships this month. For the third year in a row, we celebrate these terrific kids with a spotlight on all of the riders representing USHJA Zone 10, USEA Area VI and USDF Region 7. Take a moment to review their accomplishments and wish them the very best!

Bridging the Gap: Different dreams have equal importance to every rider.

I began teaching riding lessons while in college. After class and on weekends, I would spend extra hours working for the local pony club and riding horses for people. As this small commitment gained momentum and a few years passed, here I am working in the equine field and loving it. Growing as a young professional in the equestrian industry has had its growing pains along the way, and I guarantee I will continue to learn. Learning how to tailor every program to each rider has been a key to finding success.

This is an informational welcome meeting for returning and new team members. Anyone interested in learning about the Interscholastic Equestrian Association may attend. The IEA is open to middle school and high school riders and Elvenstar’s teams welcome riders from other barns. Returning team members will share their experiences during this session.

Canadian Jim Ifko began his season in California on a high note, taking the win in the $50,000 Blenheim Spring Classic IV Grand Prix aboard Eventyre Farms Ltd.’s Un Diamant des Forets on Sat., April 14. In front of a full audience of fellow equestrians and local fans, he delivered two swift, faultless rounds that secured him the win by over 2.5 seconds against five others in the jump-off. Robert Blanchette and his own Coupis picked up second place as the only other double clear finisher. Following them after the jump-off were Lane Clarke and Romeo du Paradis; Mattias Ekeroth and Hautesse Van’t Zorgvliet and Kyle King and McLord’s Othelo.

Being a spectator at this year’s World Cup Finals in Omaha, NB, was a lot of fun, with some of the best dressage and show jumping combinations in the world. Riding in the World Cup is definitely on my list of goals for the future, so being there this year to experience the competition and the atmosphere was amazing

Prioritizing & time management must be cultivated in a riding career and carry over well to the rest of life.

by Lauren Billys

The balance between riding and “normal” life has been one of the hardest challenges of my riding experience. When the “hobby” we choose is really a lifestyle and has no set hours, it can make finding our way to typical life appointments and decisions difficult.